Actresses Who Have Surprisingly Earned Their Pilot Licenses

Hollywood actors frequently learn new skills for roles, but some go above and beyond. Several well-known actresses have actually become licensed pilots, spending hundreds of hours learning how planes work and how to fly safely. This showcases the amazing accomplishments of these women who’ve swapped memorizing lines for logging flight hours and made their mark in aviation.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie earned her pilot’s license in 2004, sparked by her son’s fascination with airplanes. She trained for years to fly different types of aircraft, including the Cirrus SR22. She showcased her skills in the documentary ‘The Queen’s Green Planet’ while flying over the Namibian desert. As an instrument-rated pilot, she’s qualified to fly in challenging weather conditions. Jolie has even integrated her passion for flying into her global humanitarian work.

Gisele Bündchen

Gisele Bündchen obtained her helicopter pilot’s license in 2009 after dedicated training. She began learning to fly while expecting her first child, seeking a stimulating new challenge. She completed her final flight exam in a Robinson R44 helicopter close to her New England home. Since then, she’s used her flying skills to travel more easily and has shared her admiration for the intricate mechanics of aviation. Her achievement gained attention as she successfully combined her career, motherhood, and this exciting new hobby.

Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank learned to fly to get ready for her role as Amelia Earhart in a movie. She discovered she was a natural pilot during filming and kept taking lessons even after the movie finished. She eventually earned her pilot’s license and completed a solo flight. Swank often talks about how flying gives her a feeling of peace and freedom. She still enjoys flying whenever she can and remains involved in the aviation world.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman is a qualified pilot who learned to fly as a personal challenge. Following a family tradition of exploration and travel, she primarily flies airplanes and has been a certified pilot for years. She values the freedom and privacy that comes with being able to fly herself around the world, and her passion for flying showcases both her adventurous spirit and her dedication to learning complex skills.

Teri Hatcher

Most people recognize Teri Hatcher from her hit show ‘Desperate Housewives,’ but she’s also a skilled pilot. She got her pilot’s license years ago and enjoys flying her own plane for personal trips. Hatcher has said that flying allows her to escape the stress of Hollywood. She’s a strong advocate for women in aviation, believing it can boost their confidence and technical skills. Hatcher continues to be a committed pilot, always prioritizing safety and learning more about flying.

Marisol Nichols

Marisol Nichols, famous for her role in ‘Riverdale,’ is also a licensed pilot for small planes. She discovered a passion for flying after a single introductory lesson and immediately fell in love with it. She dedicated a year to completing the training and flight hours needed to earn her pilot’s license. Nichols often shares her adventures in the sky with her followers, hoping to encourage more women to get involved in aviation. She sees flying as a way to add excitement and adventure to her career.

Carol Vorderman

Carol Vorderman, a well-known British television personality, earned her pilot’s license in 2013 and quickly became passionate about flying. She famously trained for a solo flight around the world, sharing her journey with the public. Often flying twin-engine planes, she actively supports and encourages young people interested in aviation, and serves as an ambassador for the Royal Air Force Air Cadets. Vorderman also uses her public profile to champion the importance of science and technology education, making her a prominent figure in the world of aviation.

Kelly McGillis

Though Kelly McGillis is famous for playing a flight instructor in the movie ‘Top Gun,’ she didn’t actually become a pilot until years later. The role ignited a real interest in how planes work, and she went on to earn her pilot’s license. She enjoyed flying small planes as a hobby and has talked about how challenging and rewarding flight school was. Her passion for aviation has become an important part of who she is, separate from her acting career.

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams is a talented actress and singer who also loves to fly. She earned her pilot’s license and enjoys flying small planes in her free time. She often uses her piloting skills to travel between work locations, avoiding commercial flights. She values the precision and training required to keep her license current, and her ability to fly adds another interesting layer to her image as a well-rounded performer.

Brie Larson

To get ready to play Captain Marvel, Brie Larson learned how to fly a plane. She trained with real Air Force pilots and became skilled enough to earn a pilot’s license. Larson says learning to fly was both physically and mentally challenging, which helped her understand and connect with her character. She still supports aviation programs and hopes to become an even better pilot. This shows how committed she is to making her roles believable and realistic.

Rosamund Pike

While filming ‘A United Kingdom’, Rosamund Pike took flying lessons and became fully qualified as a pilot. She found learning to fly a refreshing change from acting, appreciating the concentration and solitude it demanded. Pike often uses her vacations to fly, showcasing her dedication to learning new and challenging skills both for her career and personal enjoyment.

Kim Rhodes

Kim Rhodes, famous for her roles in shows like ‘Supernatural’ and ‘The Suite Life of Zack and Cody’, found a new passion in flying. She got her pilot’s license looking for a hobby completely different from acting. She often shares her enthusiasm for aviation online, encouraging others to try introductory flights. Rhodes is proud of the technical skills she’s learned and believes flying has given her a new outlook on life.

Deidre Hall

Deidre Hall, best known for her long-running role on ‘Days of Our Lives,’ is also a skilled pilot. She earned her pilot’s license as a personal goal and has continued to fly regularly for many years. Hall appreciates the concentration and accuracy needed for safe flying in different situations. She frequently talks about the value of continuing to learn and grow through pursuing hobbies, and her dedication to aviation inspires both her fans and those she works with in television.

Myleene Klass

Myleene Klass, a British actress and TV presenter, learned to fly planes after dedicated training. Her grandfather, a former pilot, inspired her to take up aviation. She shared her flight school experience with fans and often expresses how much she loves flying. Klass is passionate about encouraging more women to become pilots and uses her platform to inspire young girls to consider careers in aviation. She continues to fly regularly, and it’s become an important part of who she is.

Jennifer Westfeldt

Jennifer Westfeldt, known for her work as an actress and screenwriter – including the film ‘Kissing Jessica Stein’ – recently earned her pilot’s license. She committed to the training and flight hours needed for certification, describing the experience as deeply rewarding and different from her creative pursuits. Westfeldt appreciates how the precise and structured world of aviation provides a welcome contrast to the often unpredictable nature of show business, and sees her flying skills as a testament to her dedication and ability to master challenging tasks.

Kate Capshaw

Kate Capshaw, famous for her role in ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,’ has been a licensed pilot for many years. She’s always loved flying and has often piloted planes for her family and to travel between movie locations. She enjoys the skill and responsibility that come with being a pilot, and this passion is a surprisingly significant part of her life.

Ruth Chatterton

Ruth Chatterton was a well-known actress in the early days of Hollywood, but she was also a groundbreaking pilot. She got her pilot’s license in the 1930s and quickly became a celebrated female aviator. The actress, famous for her role in ‘Dodsworth,’ actively participated in air races and used her fame to encourage the development of civilian flying. She was friends with Amelia Earhart and frequently flew herself to events within the aviation industry. Chatterton’s achievements as both an actress and a pilot inspired many women to pursue careers in flight.

Mary Pickford

Mary Pickford, a major star of the silent film era, was also a pioneer in aviation. She earned her pilot’s license when flying was just beginning and often flew or traveled in early airplanes. Using her fame and fortune, she actively supported the growth of the aviation industry in the United States. Pickford saw flying as a sign of a new, modern world and encouraged others to get involved with this exciting technology. Her early enthusiasm for aviation showcases her adventurous personality and progressive thinking.

Fay Wray

Though best known for her iconic role in the original ‘King Kong,’ Fay Wray was also a skilled pilot. She became fascinated with flying during the early days of aviation and earned her pilot’s license. Wray loved the experience of being in the air and frequently visited local airfields when she wasn’t filming. She was one of a few Hollywood actors who enthusiastically took up flying, and she continued to enjoy aviation throughout her long and successful film career.

Ginger Rogers

Ginger Rogers wasn’t just a famous actress and dancer – she was also a skilled pilot. She got her pilot’s license in the late 1930s and often flew herself around the country in her own plane. The star of films like ‘Top Hat’ enjoyed the freedom and excitement that flying gave her, especially with her demanding career. She was a dedicated part of the aviation world and became friends with many well-known pilots of the time. Her ability to fly showcased her talent and determination to be exceptional at everything she did.

Myrna Loy

Myrna Loy was a famous actress, best known for her role in ‘The Thin Man’ movies, who also had a passion for flying. She got her pilot’s license in the 1930s and actively encouraged the growth of air travel. Loy worked with various aviation groups and even served on the National Committee for Aeronautics. She loved the challenge of flying and the camaraderie of the pilot community. Her work in both film and aviation has made a significant and lasting contribution to American culture.

Susan Oliver

Susan Oliver was a talented actress known for her role in ‘Star Trek,’ but she was also an accomplished pilot. In the 1960s, she earned her commercial pilot’s license and broke several aviation records for women, becoming only the fourth woman to fly solo across the Atlantic in a single-engine plane. Beyond acting, she competed in the Reno Air Races and shared her flying adventures in a book. Susan Oliver was remarkably successful in both her acting and aviation careers, and she continues to be celebrated in the world of flight.

Karine Vanasse

Karine Vanasse is a Canadian actress, recognizable from her work in shows like ‘Pan Am’ and ‘Revenge,’ with a surprising second passion: flying. Her experience playing a flight attendant sparked her interest in aviation, leading her to earn her private pilot’s license. She found the unique viewpoint from the sky captivating and loves sharing photos she takes from above with her followers. Vanasse is also a strong supporter of preserving aviation history and encouraging more women to become pilots.

Hermione Norris

Hermione Norris, known for her roles in TV shows like ‘Cold Feet’ and ‘Spooks’, is also a qualified pilot. She earned her pilot’s license as a personal challenge and a way to see things differently. Norris has described how flying demands intense focus, which helps her relax and de-stress. She continues to fly regularly as a hobby, maintaining her skills and adding an interesting dimension to her already successful acting career.

Emma Noble

Okay, so you might recognize Emma Noble as an actress and model, but what a lot of people don’t know is she’s a pilot! She’s been fascinated with flying for years, and finally got her license after training at a proper flight school. She’s really put in the hours, racking up a ton of time in single-engine planes. She’s said the hardest part wasn’t the flying itself, but learning all the navigation and getting comfortable talking to air traffic control – it was a serious mental challenge! Now she loves the freedom of being able to just go anywhere and fly herself, and she’s still really involved with the flying community. Honestly, she’s super proud of everything she’s accomplished with aviation, and you can tell it means a lot to her.

Kris Jenner

Kris Jenner is famous for being on reality TV, but she also has a surprising skill: she’s a licensed pilot. She got her pilot’s license a long time ago and has flown private planes for her family. Though she’s best known as a manager and producer, she’s always been fascinated by how planes work. Being able to fly is just one of the many unexpected talents she’s developed throughout her career, making her a well-known public figure with a unique background in aviation.

Sarah Ferguson

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, is known for many things, including being a published author, an actress, and a skilled helicopter pilot. She trained with the Royal Air Force and earned her pilot’s wings in the late 1980s. Beyond her work in entertainment and charity, she’s often talked about the joy of flying helicopters and the concentration it demands. Her passion for aviation has been a lasting part of both her public image and personal life.

Margaret Sullavan

Margaret Sullavan was a popular actress in the 1930s and 40s, and she also loved to fly. She got her pilot’s license at a time when very few women were pilots. The star of the film ‘The Shop Around the Corner’ often flew her own plane to get away from the stress of Hollywood. She was known for being adventurous and fascinated by how planes worked. Sullavan is remembered both for her acting and as a trailblazing female pilot.

Ruth Elder

Ruth Elder was a groundbreaking pilot and actress who gained recognition for trying to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. After getting her pilot’s license in the late 1920s, she used her newfound fame to launch a career in silent films. Often called the “Miss of the Air,” she appeared in movies like ‘Moran of the Marines’ with other popular actors of the time. Her bravery as a pilot and her charisma as an actress made her a well-known celebrity, and she continues to represent the strong link between early aviation and the entertainment world.

Gul Panag

Gul Panag is an Indian actress and former beauty queen who achieved her dream of becoming a pilot, earning her license in 2016 after years of training. She frequently shares her flying experiences online and encourages young women in India to consider careers in aviation. Panag is also a strong advocate for road safety and physical fitness, values that complement the dedication required for piloting. Her accomplishment has made her a well-known female pilot within the Indian film industry.

Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert is a well-known country singer and actress who also happens to be a licensed pilot. She learned to fly because she wanted more freedom and a convenient way to travel between concerts and movie sets. In addition to acting in shows like ‘Law & Order: SVU’, Miranda enjoys the challenge and escape of flying her own plane. It’s a reflection of her ambition and a way for her to see the world from a unique perspective.

Share your favorite stories about these talented pilots in the comments.

2026-02-26 18:18